Mammoth Lakes, California: Family Fun in All Seasons

Spring, summer and fall are prime times to soak up jaw-dropping Mammoth Lakes views from multiple vantage points. Travel 3,369 meters up to the top of Mammoth Mountain via the Panorama Gondola, which offers 360-degree views of this alpine oasis. At the summit, stop at the Eleven53 Interpretive Center to learn more about the area’s distinct geologic history or pause for refreshments at the scenic café. For a look at a different type of landscape, drive about 30 minutes north to Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve to see the calcium-carbonite spires and growths created by the mixing of freshwater springs and alkaline lake water. Learn about the formations at the visitor center on the lake’s south side and hike around the lake for picture-perfect views. Another 40 minutes north, travel back in time at Bodie State Historic Park, a gold-mining era ghost town, which is preserved in its deserted state much like it was more than 50 years ago when its final residents departed.

It’s a winter wonderland at Mammoth Lakes, thanks to a snow season that typically lasts from early November to late May, plus so many ways for all ages to get out and enjoy the powdery snow. Perhaps the most popular way to savor the season is on skis. Put on your winter gear and head to California’s highest lift-served summit at Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, known for some of the country’s best skiing and snowboarding. Take group or private ski lesson to boost your skills. Prefer a slower pace? Strap on some snowshoes and explore stunning Minaret Vista, offering unforgettable views of mountain peaks in the Ansel Adams Wilderness and the Ritter Range. Kids (and kids at heart) will feel the adrenaline rush while sledding in areas around the Mammoth Lakes Basin. At Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, check out Woolly’s Tube Park for a thrilling sledding experience.

Fancy some shopping or dining after a day of exploring? Make a trip to the Village at Mammoth, an action-packed destination with more than a dozen restaurants, bars and local boutiques. Shop for souvenirs for the whole family, then find a spot to settle in and relax under the twinkling evening lights. Enjoy a side of marvelous mountain views with your dinner at Old Mammoth Restaurant Row, packed with some of the area’s finest dining establishments. Slow down and stroll Main Street Mammoth, home to even more restaurants, bars and quaint shops.

Mammoth Lakes is a five-hour drive from international airports in Los Angeles, Sacramento and San Francisco, California; and Las Vegas, Nevada. Connecting flights are also available to Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH) and Eastern Sierra Regional Airport (BIH).